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Concert Review of the Moment: Neil Young at Fox Theatre, Detroit, MI, May 4, 2011

More live albums have been recorded here than anywhere else on the planet. Any rock critic will tell you that Detroit audiences can be tough customers. Any Rock Star or group that passed our way will tell you that Detroit can make you or break you. Until last night.

You see, last night we were host to one Neil Young and he broke us. Maybe it was because the 'tuff crowd' chose instead to go to the 'Joe' downtown to yell at the Red Wings or maybe went across the street to cheer on the Tigers. Detroit was a busy town last night. Those of us that chose instead to go to the 'Fox' and take in a concert were moved in a different kind of way.

Actions speak louder than words and last night he spoke volumes although his words were few. As Neil slowly strolled onto the stage he was greeted to a standing ovation. Before he even picked up an instrument he walked to the edge of the stage and in a sincerely humble way he began to applaud the audience for what seemed to be an eternity. Long enough to be certain that every heart in the house was warm enough to begin an other worldly journey to a place where no other artist has ever gone.

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5 Comments:

Long enough to be certain that every heart in the house was warm enough to begin an other worldly journey to a place where no other artist has ever gone.

That's beautifully written, BigChief. The melodies and lyrics in LaNoise help me connect to my humanity because he writes with so much love, empathy, compassion, and hope. That's what he meant in his "humble humanitarian" award speech. That's what all that "Rumblin" is all about, you know?

Big Chief is my Father. We had a great time!! I've went to every Neil show since I was born....well all in Michigan at least. I loved the show!! One of the best. Me being a musician, I found it very entertaining that he did a few solo electric songs. Never seen that done before! Can't wait till he comes back in a few months with a full band, already excited!

I wish I could explain it better like my Father can. Every time I see Neil it is a true treat. I still remember the first song I learned on my acoustic was "The Needle And The Damage Done". I can't put into words how much of an impact Neil has had on my life. I remember being a little kid and listening to my Dads vinyls. "Ragged Glory", "Zuma", "Rust Never Sleeps". The true passion and love he puts into every song. I believe Neil has helped mold me into the musician I am today.

To be really good at any musical instrument, you have to play what you "feel." If that means counting off in 4/4ths for 4 measures and switch to 5/8ths and 6/8th the next measure to get the desired "feel," go for it.

Neil's been baffling musicians and critics and fans with his genius and love for music the day he decided to string together that first melody that played in his head.

p.s. I love your Dad in a "motherly" way, Jr. because of what he wrote.

saw the chicago may 7th show. Loved him as always. old songs and new ...a beautiful show. but I felt his sadness...losing LA johnson and ben keith, two of his closest artistic soul mates in the past year or two has had to be incredibly destabilizing. fortunately for us, he works things out through his music and i'm glad we can go through this with him. LOVE that he encored with walk with me. says it all. we will, Neil. we'll be with you the whole way through. no matter what.